CBS Local Sports’ 2014 NBA Finals Predictions

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Game 1 of the 2014 NBA Finals is tonight and that means it’s time for our very own talent from around the country at our CBS Local Sports stations to make their series predictions. In a rematch of last year’s final which went 7 games, the San Antonio Spurs square off against the Miami Heat and Tony Parker and company hope to prevent LeBron and the Heat from winning their third consecutive NBA championship. Popovich vs. Spoelstra. Duncan vs. James. Parker vs. Wade. Texas vs. Florida. Without further ado, the predictions …

Evan Roberts, WFAN – New York

Miami Heat in 7 games.

“The Miami Heat will win their 3rd consecutive championship. The only question is, in how many! If Tony Parker is Tony Parker, I think we see another classic 7 game series, with Miami stealing a Game 7 in Texas. If Parker doesn’t play or is a shell of himself, this thing ends in 5.”

Kirk McEwen, co-host of the Kirk and Dinger show on 98.7 The Fan – Tampa

Miami Heat in 6 games.

“Tim Duncan saying they’ll ‘win this time’ lights a fire under LeBron and Co. as the Heat celebrate their 3rd straight.”

Special Ed, producer/contributor of the Kirk and Dinger show on 98.7 The Fan – Tampa

San Antonio Spurs in 7 games.

“This might be Tim Duncan’s last visit to the Finals and he won’t let a last minute Ray Allen 3 pointer dictate the outcome this time around. Tim Duncan guarantees another parade on the river and so do I, Spurs in 7.”

Grant Paulsen, 106.7 The Fan – Washington D.C.

Miami Heat in 6 games.

“The Heat will win their third straight because LeBron is the best player on the floor. I’d like to add that some nondescript mediocre bench player will hit five 3’s in the clinching game.”

Jim Hill, CBS/KCAL Sports Central – Los Angeles

San Antonio Spurs in 6 games.

“If Tony Parker is healthy, the Spurs can’t be stopped.”

Gary Miller, CBS/KCAL Sports Central – Los Angeles

Miami Heat in 7 games.

“LeBron will turn up the heat, and Tony Parker’s injury does no favors for the Spurs.”

David McCoy, Sports Reporter/Anchor WCCO-TV – Minnesota

Miami Heat in 5 games.

“The Heat have been the best team in the NBA for the better part of four years, and there’s no reason to think that would suddenly change now.”

Eric Nelson, Sports Broadcaster WCCO Radio 830AM – Minnesota

Miami Heat in 7 games.

“South Beach outshines the Riverwalk again in the sequel to last year’s series. Miami defeats San Antonio 4 games to 3 and caps off a three-peat – a phrase that Heat President Pat Riley coined and patented back in the 1980’s when he coached the LA Lakers and they three-peated. LeBron James cements his legacy as an all-time great by winning the Finals MVP. It’s another confetti shower and South Florida parade for the Heat.”

Ike Reese, 94WIP – Philadelphia

San Antonio Spurs in 7 games.

“’Cause LeBron ain’t Mike or Kobe.”

Mark Yarbro,Co-Host Of “Bustin Loose” on WFNZ Radio – Charlotte

San Antonio Spurs in 7 games.

“Score one for the old guys, no miracle three for the Heat this time. Team basketball lives!!”

Jim Berry, WFOR – Miami

Miami Heat in 7 games.

“The opportunity to make history will motivate the Heat in the end, much more then San Antonio’s desire for avenging last year’s loss.”

“Tim Duncan told TNT’s David Aldridge in a post-game interview following the Spurs series-clinching win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, “We have four more [games] to win. We’ll do it this time.” That’s good enough for me.”

Chuck Booms, 92.3 The Fan – Cleveland

San Antonio Spurs in 5 games.

“As long as Parker stays healthy, the Spurs have a much deeper bench which will tax the Heat defensively and Pop once again has them rested and ready.”

Kevin Kiley, 92.3 The Fan – Cleveland

San Antonio Spurs in 7 games.

“The Heat won’t be able to defend the wide variety of weapons the Spurs have offensively.”

J.G. Spooner, 92.3 The Fan – Cleveland

San Antonio Spurs in 6 games.

“I predicted the matchup before the season started and liked the Spurs in 6 then. They are the better coached group and are truly a TEAM. Plus the revenge factor and the ability to ride off into the sunset after a 5th title will be enough to fuel Duncan and the Spurs one last time.”

Ken Carman, 92.3 The Fan – Cleveland

San Antonio Spurs in 7 games.

“Spurs because of destiny.”

Bob Pompeani – KDKA-TV Lead Sports Anchor – Pittsburgh

San Antonio Spurs in 7 games.

“The Spurs win in seven if Tony Parker is healthy. Everyone talks about Miami’s “big three” and with good reason, but the Spurs’ big three of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Parker go under the radar. In addition, the Spurs have a deep bench that helped them beat Oklahoma City.”

Bob Haynie, 105.7 The FAN – Baltimore

San Antonio Spurs in 7 games.

“San Antonio redeems itself after last year’s heartbreaking loss to the Heat.”

Vern Glenn-KPIX5 – San Francisco

San Antonio Spurs in 7 games.

When Tim Duncan says ” We’ll get it done this time ” I believe him. The Spurs have circled this series since blowing Game-6 last year against this very team. Hes a man of few words or emotions. And he uncharacteristically took both to the next level when approached.

Dennis O’Donnell – San Francisco

Miami Heat in 6 games.

“These teams are so evenly matched, that a player playing a 90% could be the difference-maker. I’m guessing Tony Parker won’t be able to go full throttle for the Spurs, so I’ll take the three-peat. If Parker is fine, I’m wrong.”

Deuce Mason, KHTK – Sacramento

San Antonio Spurs in 6 games.

“Tim Duncan is ready for some revenge in what will be his walk-off moment in the NBA. Duncan on the rematch: “We’ve got four more to win. We’ll do it this time. Timmy and company get another ring and he retires.”

Keith Brooks, KHTK – Sacramento

San Antonio Spurs in 7 games.

“The Spurs spread the floor too well. The Heat do not have an answer for Tim Duncan and the Spurs ability to attack the rim with Ginobili and Parker will open up the perimeter for the Spurs great outside shooters.”

To The Results

Of our 23 talent predictions, 15 think it will go to a Game 7. 14 of our experts believe the San Antonio Spurs will be crowned the champion while 9 believe the Miami Heat will three-peat. Regardless, it should be a good series with the potential to go the distance just as last year’s finals did. Two highly respected coaches and a few of the best players in the game take the court tonight in what should mark the beginning of an epic battle.